Peepers

One of the first signs of Spring, the Peepers return. I don't know if they are hatched, migrate or come out of hibernation but regardless of their method of return, they have returned.

I remember the first Spring that I heard them. They had been peeping for several nights before I focused on the sound. Then they were deafening. How could I have missed them? The air is always slightly cool but unmistakably Spring.

Perhaps we can get Zoe to dig us a pond of our own so that they can be even closer.

Mourning Doves

Early on a Spring morning, you step outside to get the paper and you hear it. The Mourning Dove. The sound is so tranquil. I remember listening to this sound when I was a little girl visiting my grandparents in a small town in Kansas, sitting on the front porch, listening to the calming coo. The Adirondack Chairs are covered and a perfect location for us to enjoy. If it would just warm up a little more!

I love the signs of Spring.

First Measurable Snow this Season

First measurable snow of the season. It's so peaceful when the snow falls.

The Manor Loves the Holidays

Lathrop Manor loves the holidays. The house is happiest when there are people in every room and at least three fireplaces are lit. However, we need more sofas for the post-Turkey syndrome.

Charity Dinner

On Sunday, November 2, 2008, Lathrop Manor hosted a dinner donated to the Rotary Charity Auction. Eight guests enjoyed culinary specialties from Chefs Marco Middleton and Joe Kubik with Maitre'd Bill Middleton and Sous Chef Robin. And of course, many thanks to additional Sous Chefs Sue and Ray, who were unable to attend the Main Event. As well as Stan, our generous sponsor.

It's Beautiful Here in New England, This Fall

Latest goings-on at the Manor

As the last rays of sun shine on us in the Northern hemisphere, we are spending every moment we can on Marco's Veranda. It is such a great place to have a cookout and watch the sun set. We will miss this space when the weather turns.

In the meantime, we are starting to think about winterizing. With any old house in the Northeast, we have relied heavily on oil heat. Obviously, we must consider alternatives. With nine fireplaces, wood is an obvious option. The problem of course, is that we can't stoke the fires 24/7 and when the embers die out, all the warm air is sucked straight up the chimney. We are looking at fireplace inserts. Well, one to start. So many choices, restrictions, design options, initial cost outlay. In the meantime, I must go shopping for full-length lined draperies.